Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is powerful, full-spectrum cannabis oil known for its therapeutic potential – but it’s not meant to be smoked.
While technically possible, smoking RSO is unsafe and ineffective. It burns harsh, tastes bitter, and may contain residual solvents that aren’t meant to be inhaled.
Instead, RSO is designed for oral, topical, or suppository use, giving you access to the full plant without putting your lungs at risk.
In this guide, we break down why smoking RSO is a bad idea and share safer, more effective ways to take it.
What is RSO?
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a full-spectrum cannabis extract known for its high THC content and powerful effects. It was originally created by Rick Simpson, a Canadian medical cannabis advocate who used it to treat his own skin cancer and later shared his method publicly.
What sets RSO apart is that it keeps all the natural compounds found in cannabis, like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, so you get the full therapeutic potential of the plant.
Because it’s so potent, RSO is mostly used for medical reasons, especially to help with cancer, chronic pain, and other serious health conditions.
Can You Smoke RSO?
While you technically can smoke RSO, you really shouldn’t.
RSO is a thick, tar-like oil made using high-proof solvents like ethanol. If it’s not properly purged, traces of those solvents can linger. Burning them can release irritating byproducts – not something you want in your lungs.
RSO also contains plant compounds like chlorophyll, lipids, and waxes, which give it a thick texture and bitter taste. When burned, these create acrid, heavy smoke that can be harsh on your system.
Even when properly made, RSO simply isn’t designed for combustion. It burns unevenly, hits hard and fast, and can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to high-THC products.
To get the full benefit without the downside, stick with oral, topical, or suppository use. You’ll avoid the harsh burn and make the most of what RSO has to offer.
Why You Shouldn’t Smoke RSO: The Risks
RSO isn’t made to be smoked. It’s meant to be taken by mouth, used on the skin, or as a suppository. Smoking it isn’t just ineffective – it can actually be harmful. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Overwhelming High: RSO is extremely potent. Smoking it can bring on a fast, intense high that feels disorienting – especially if you’re sensitive to THC or already in a vulnerable state.
- Harsh Burn & Taste: RSO is thick and sticky, not made for burning. It produces bitter, heavy smoke that’s rough on your throat and lungs.
- Risk of Contaminants: Some RSO is made with solvents like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. If it hasn’t been fully purged, lighting it can release dangerous chemicals. That’s why it’s important to buy lab-tested RSO from a trusted source
- Respiratory Irritation: Inhaling RSO can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and more serious irritation, especially risky for cancer patients or anyone with compromised health.
Stick to oral, topical, or suppository use to safely experience RSO’s full therapeutic benefits.
Better Ways to Take RSO
If you’re serious about using RSO safely and effectively, how you take it makes all the difference. Here are the main RSO consumption methods:
- RSO Syringes: You’ll get the most control with a syringe. You can put a small amount under your tongue, swallow it, or mix it into food. Just be prepared – it’s sticky, strong-tasting, and easy to overdo. Start with a rice-sized dot and take it slow.
- RSO Tinctures: Tinctures are easier to handle. You just place a few drops under your tongue and let them absorb. They usually taste better than raw oil and aren’t as sticky. If you want fast effects without the hassle, this is a clean, straightforward option.
- RSO Edibles: If you’d rather not taste the oil at all, edibles are a great choice. You can take a pre-dosed gummy or infused treat and wait for it to kick in – usually between 45 minutes to 2 hours. It’s slower, but the effects last longer. Plus, it’s discreet and easy.
- RSO Capsules: Capsules make things simple. Just swallow one like any supplement. It’ll take about 60 to 90 minutes to start working. You won’t be able to adjust your dose as precisely, but if you want a no-fuss routine, this is it.
- RSO Suppositories: If you need strong relief without the mental fog, suppositories can help. You insert them rectally or vaginally, and they start working in about 15 to 30 minutes. They bypass digestion, so the effects are deeply physical without making you feel overly high.
How Much RSO Should You Take?
Generally speaking, you should start by taking a drop of pure RSO extract about half the size of a small grain of rice three times a day.
Your total daily RSO dose should equal one rice grain-sized amount, or roughly 30 milligrams of RSO. You can then gradually increase your daily dosage based on how you feel.
Cancer patients should start with this dose and adjust the doses they take according to our RSO protocol.
Conclusion: Should RSO Be Smoked?
Smoking RSO might seem like an option, but it isn’t safe or effective. Smoking RSO can expose you to harsh smoke, leftover solvents, and an intense high, without giving you the full therapeutic benefit.
RSO is a powerful, full-spectrum extract meant to be taken orally, topically, or as a suppository. When used the right way, it can provide considerable relief from cancer, pain, and other serious conditions – without putting your lungs at risk.
If you’re ready to use RSO the right way, we’re here to help.
At RickSimpsonOil.com, you’ll find lab-tested RSO in a range of safe formats – syringes, tinctures, edibles, capsules, and suppositories – so you can choose what works best for you.
We ship throughout the U.S. and internationally, so you can get the real thing – no matter where you are.
Can You Smoke RSO: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about whether you can smoke RSO.
Can You Smoke RSO With Flower?
Technically, you can – but it’s not a good idea. RSO is thick and sticky, and it’s not made for combustion. Burning it with flower can create a harsh smoke that’s tough on your lungs.
Can You Smoke RSO in a PuffCo?
No. PuffCo devices are built for clean, refined concentrates like rosin, shatter, or distillate. RSO is thicker and may contain leftover solvents that can damage your device or release harmful fumes.
Can You Dab RSO?
Not safely. RSO isn’t made for high-temperature dabbing. It may still contain plant fats, waxes, and chlorophyll – things you don’t want to inhale. Dabbing it can release irritants or even toxic byproducts.
Can You Smoke RSO Like Wax?
No. RSO is not the same as wax or other dabbable extracts. It’s too thick, doesn’t vaporize cleanly, and can be unpleasant or even unsafe to smoke.
Can You Smoke RSO in a Cart?
No. RSO is too thick for cartridges and can clog or burn out the hardware. It also isn’t refined enough for safe inhalation.
Can You Smoke RSO in a Joint?
You could smear it on a joint – but it’s not recommended. It burns unevenly, tastes bad, and can irritate your lungs due to compounds that don’t belong in smoke.
